Demon softball busts out the bats

WASHINGTON — The Washington softball team knew it had a high-powered offense coming into the 2022 season, but through their first four games, the Demons had just 18 runs. In Thursday’s doubleheader against Mt. Pleasant, they scored 31.

The Demons dominated from start to finish in a Southeast Conference doubleheader, winning Game 1, 13-1 in four innings, and Game 2, 18-6 in three.

“We've had some great approaches at the plate, playing Cardinal and Knoxville,” said Demon head coach Ben Obermann. “The results may not have been there on the scoreboard, but the process has been great.”

Washington scored six runs in the first two innings in Game 1. Mt. Pleasant plated one in the third, but the Demons responded with five in the third and two more in the fourth to end the game via the 12-run mercy rule.

Eight-grader Leighton Salazar was fantastic for Washington in Game 1, going 2-for-2 with a double, two RBIs and four runs scored. Haley Mitchell knocked in three runs. RyLee Fishback went 2-for-3 with an RBI. Ella Greiner had a pair of hits and an RBI as well.

Isabella Salazar hurt the Panthers at the plate and in the circle. She collected a double, a single and an RBI, and also gave up just one run over four innings to earn the win.

Bethany Drury had both Panther hits in Game 1, going 2-for-2 with a double and an RBI. Kynlee White was 1-for-1.

After a four-run Washington first in Game 2, Mt. Pleasant scored four in the second to tie the game up. The Demons, however, put together an 11-run second frame to run away with the contest.

Fishback stayed hot in Game 2, going 2-for-3 with a double and three RBIs. Leighton Salazar was 3-for-3 with an RBI and three runs scored. Mitchell, Isabella Salazar and Olivia Hamilton each knocked in two runs, and Claire Robinson threw all three innings to earn the win in the circle.

Dury was good again for Mt. Pleasant in Game 2, going 1-for-2 with a triple and two RBIs. Ella McNamee knocked in two runs. Saige Burchett was 2-for-2 with an RBI. Jersey Beachy was 2-for-2, and Jayden Housh knocked one in.

“We’re a young team,” said head coach Mike Beason. “We’re building it.”

It was Washington’s first two SEC games, so the Demons will go into Monday’s games at Fort Madison with a 2-0 record in league play. Mt. Pleasant fell to 0-4 in the conference and will host Keokuk.